Security Triumph in Benue: Seven Suspected Herdsmen Arrested as All 18 Kidnapped Victims, Including JAMB Candidates, Rescued

Police rescue and arrest seven suspected herdsmen over abduction of JAMB candidates in Benue

Education • Tue May 05 2026 • By Starkid

MAKURDI - The Benue State Police Command has successfully apprehended seven suspected militia herdsmen linked to the high-profile abduction of 18 passengers along the Makurdi–Otukpo road. The victims, who were traveling in a Benue Links bus last Wednesday, included several students heading to Otukpo to sit for their Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examinations.

A Coordinated Rescue Operation

The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ifeanyi Emenari, officially briefed Governor Hyacinth Alia on Sunday following the total liberation of the captives. The rescue was described as a phased success:

Initial Recovery: Five of the abducted passengers were freed shortly after the incident occurred.
Final Rescue: The remaining 13 victims were rescued unhurt on Sunday morning through a coordinated tactical effort.
Tactical Pressure: Emenari credited the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) for deploying a specialized tactical team that mounted overwhelming pressure on the kidnappers, forcing the victims' safe return.

Suspects in Custody

Police authorities confirmed that eight suspects are currently in custody. Of this group, seven are identified as suspected herdsmen bandits directly connected to the kidnapping, with several victims already identifying their captors. Following this breakthrough, a "special clearance operation" has been launched to flush out criminal elements hiding in Benue's forest areas.

Governor Alia Calls for Academic Compassion

During the reception of the freed victims at the Government House, Governor Hyacinth Alia expressed both relief at their return and concern over the rise in regional insecurity.

Impact on Candidates: The Governor highlighted that eight of the victims were young students on their way to write national exams.
Appeal to JAMB: Governor Alia urged the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board to schedule a special examination date for the affected candidates to ensure their academic dreams are not derailed by the trauma.
Medical and Welfare Support: The state government has directed the Commissioner for Health to conduct comprehensive medical checks on all rescued persons and promised support measures to help the victims reintegrate.